Digital Literacy Resources

Resource:
 Barriers to Digital Literacy for Older Adults: Bridging the Digital Divide
   
Author(s):   Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program
Published:   2025
Funder:   Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
   
Annotation:  

Barriers to Digital Literacy for Older Adults: Bridging the Digital Divide is a webinar from Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program that examines the barriers older adults may face when developing digital skills. Drawing on current research, the session explores how health challenges, privacy concerns, fear of scams, financial limitations, limited access to technology, and lack of technical support can affect digital participation. The webinar also highlights strategies for building digital confidence and introduces Connected Canadians as a program that helps older adults strengthen technology skills.

This webinar:

•        Defines digital literacy and explains its importance for older adults’ independence, health, social connection, and access to services

•        Examines barriers such as physical and cognitive changes, limited support networks, financial constraints, accessibility challenges, and lack of confidence

•        Discusses concerns related to online safety, privacy, identity theft, scams, and digital fraud

•        Explores how family members, community organizations, libraries, care settings, and intergenerational learning can help older adults build digital skills

•        Highlights the role of digital literacy in accessing healthcare, government services, online banking, social connection, and community participation

•        Identifies strategies such as tailored instruction, adaptive tools, hands-on learning, user-friendly design, and ongoing support

•        Introduces Connected Canadians’ programs and services for helping older adults build digital confidence and resilience

•        Offers useful information for educators, service providers, caregivers, and community organizations working to improve digital inclusion for older adults

This webinar can be used in professional learning, program planning, and community outreach to help practitioners better understand the digital literacy needs of older adults and identify strategies for supporting safer, more confident technology use.


   
File(s):  
URL:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbtt4QbVG9w
   
Linked to:  
Tags: